Taco Del Mar

Taco Del Mar Surfs Into Hawaii

Area Restaurant Developer Ken Nascimento Brings "the Baja" to the Islands
With Fast-Casual Taco Del Mar; Roadshow Set for May 31

SEATTLE, May 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Decades ago, sub sandwich shops proliferated across the island chain, bringing hungry consumers a burger alternative. These days, it's "mondo burritos and ripping tacos" enjoying the limelight (and lime sauce). Taco Del Mar, a West Coast independent restaurant chain, recently signed Ken Nascimento as Master Developer for Hawaii, Saipan and Guam. Already well-known as a Subway multi-unit operator on Oahu, Nascimento has quickly secured three franchise agreements and identified sites for each restaurant. He plans to open 40 locations region-wide.

Taco Del Mar features 24-ounce mondo pork and chicken burritos with a choice of four tortillas, fish tacos, kids meals, salads, vegetarian and vegan offerings. A spirited interior decor sets the "Inner Baja" mood with surf murals, thatched umbrellas, mounted sailfish, long board tabletops and tropical-surf background music.

Nascimento is a hospitality industry veteran who has spent the last eight years with Subway on Oahu. In Taco Del Mar he saw an untapped opportunity to introduce the hot concept to the islands.

"Taco Del Mar fits the islands well because it's laidback, surf inspired, the food is great tasting and fast, and there are no dining options like it here," Nascimento said. "Also, the restaurant doesn't skimp on portion size, especially the 24-ounce mondo burrito which is practically a plate lunch in a tortilla."

Launched in Seattle in 1992 based on co-founder James Schmidt's enthusiasm for Baja style burritos and fish tacos, Taco Del Mar has grown to 193 locations. It uses a Master Developer (MD) growth model in which the MD serves as a regional franchisor.

Two franchisees have signed with Nascimento for three restaurants: Herlinda Mansfield, who will open Taco Del Mar restaurants in Kunia and Kapolei; and James Butler, a former Starbucks director of operations in Hawaii who will open a Waipio location. The Kunia location is in lease negotiation and LOIs are under review for the others. More franchise inquiries have come from Guam, Saipan, Maui, Kauai, and Kona just this month, Nascimento said.

Taco Del Mar will hold an informational franchise roadshow for interested prospects at Waialae Country Club on May 31, 6:30 p.m. Advance registration is required by contacting Nascimento at 808-478-4130 or e-mailing knascimento@tacodelmar.com. A West Coast innovator of "mondo burritos and rippin' tacos," discover Taco Del Mar throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and Canada. Learn more at TacoDelMar.com.